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A number of British Healthcare Trades Association (BHTA) members are giving positive feedback on a Level 3 Trusted Assessor qualification for retailers that raises standards in the independent living sector.
In 2024, the BHTA worked in partnership with Trusted Assessing and Care Training (TACT) to launch a new course designed for retailers of independent living equipment. Delivered by TACT, the ‘Trusted Assessors: Assessing in the Retail Environment’ course is designed to accredit retailers as Trusted Assessors.
The course enables customer-facing staff to learn the skills involved in assessing for suitable home adaptations equipment. This development has enabled organisations across the sector to upskill staff to a standardised, independent set of competencies long recognised within health and social care.
Trusted Assessor competencies, first defined in 2005, are now widely used across the UK by health, social care, housing, and care teams. The qualification teaches learners to adopt an occupational therapy–based approach to assessments, combining theory with hands-on practical skills. Crucially, trainees learn how to identify when a case is complex and requires referral to an occupational therapist (OT). Trusted Assessors are qualified to assess a person’s needs and identify the most suitable equipment and adaptations to support independent living.
TACT’s OTs deliver the teaching, support learners with their assignments, run free monthly top-up webinars, and make additional resources available for free on its website. Learners complete training modules and a homework assignment to demonstrate their understanding and practical application of the course content.
As more organisations adopt the Trusted Assessor model, the independent living sector is better positioned to meet growing demand, reduce pressure on overstretched OTs, and ensure people receive timely, accurate guidance on the equipment that supports independent living.
Many retailers have found that the qualification not only enhances internal skill levels but also improves collaboration with local equipment and assessment pathways.
TPG DisableAids, a BHTA member based in Hereford, offers a strong example. Director Alastair Gibbs explained: “For TPG DisableAids the Trusted Assessor scheme has been a real boost. We have various staff trained from level 2 to level 4, and it has given us real credibility with housing associations and local authorities. Those looking for a differentiator and an indicator of commitment to quality found it in our association with BHTA and Trusted Assessor.”
This credibility strengthens tender opportunities for providers supplying independent living equipment, as the qualification offers a clear benchmark of assessment quality.
Recognition is growing within the OT profession as well. Brett Gilham from BHTA member company Laybrook noted: “We know how busy many OTs are, so the fact that we can demonstrate we have been trained and can provide assistance in the assessment process benefits all parties. It also means our staff across all levels have been trained to a set standard for assessing.”
Retailers are also seeing value in highlighting the qualification to the public. Dolphin South West, a BHTA member based in Devon, newly qualified, has launched a communications campaign to promote its enhanced capabilities.
Antonia Nixon, from Dolphin South West, said: “The Dolphin team enjoyed the training—learning and reinforcing what they know—and now we’re keen to let people know what this means when they deal with us.”
Some providers are taking the Trusted Assessor approach even further.
On 10 and 11 December 2025, BHTA member Wenman Healthcare hosted two free training workshops for organisations across the region that provide advice to the public on independent living. Twenty-four learners attended the two, one-day Level 2 accredited courses, delivered by TACT.
Attendees importantly represented a broad spectrum of local services, including NHS social prescribers, district housing teams, regional disability and carer charities, and homecare providers, who also benefited from the opportunity to network with peers.
TACT estimates that the programme will help more than 100 residents every day who receive advice from these organisations all year round, demonstrating the potential significant regional impact this training would have if rolled out more widely.
Participants reported a clear increase in their confidence when supporting older and disabled people. The course covered common health conditions, how local health and social care systems operate, communication skills, and key risk factors. Learners also explored a wide range of independent living equipment and typical solutions used across the region.
Confidence in the topic of independent living equipment rose from 52 percent being fairly or very confident pre-course to 100 percent afterwards. Both Wenman Healthcare and TACT were delighted with the outcomes.
Clare Barber, Director and OT at TACT, enthused: “We are passionate about improving access to much-needed equipment, and upskilling people working locally is one of the best ways to ensure residents get timely, accurate advice. Navigating the regional landscape of aids, equipment, and adaptations can be challenging, and understanding what’s available and how to access it can speed things up immeasurably.”
Ian Wenman, Managing Director at Wenman Healthcare, added: “People often aren’t aware of their entitlement to a needs-based assessment for equipment and home adaptations. This can ensure essential equipment is delivered to their home. They often struggle to know what equipment is relevant and helpful to a particular health condition.
“Families frequently want to explore additional items, and they can try a wide range—without obligation—by visiting our showroom. Our Trusted Assessors identify what’s needed and provide impartial advice, as well as providing a free home visit when required.”
The initiative demonstrates how retailers can act as local hubs for information, training, and support. By engaging organisations across their community, Wenman Healthcare aims to speed up access to essential equipment and strengthen cross-sector relationships.
BHTA members can choose from either a one-day in-person course run at their premises or opt for the live webinar version delivered over a series of three dates.
In 2026, the webinar version involves studying for three three-hour live webinars running on:
Alternatively, members opt to join one of the main Trusted Assessor courses that include practical workshops, and these can be directly commissioned or accessed through TACT’s open courses running regionally.
All versions of accredited courses require learners to complete and pass a homework assignment, and, once qualified, Trusted Assessors can join the monthly webinar top-ups for 12 months.